How do I fix a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance?

Answer by  BlindMag (161)

For most mothers, allowing baby to nurse long enough on one side so that he gets more of the creamy, higher fat milk helps balance lactose and fat to ease digestion and usually corrects the problem. And, he may go longer between feedings if he is having a "meal" that includes both the "appetizer" (foremilk) and the "dessert" (the hindmilk).

Answer by  JJP (360)

If you are exclusively pumping I would back off on pumping sessions. If exclusively breastfeeding I would give a bottle during one feeding session to let your body get regulated.

Answer by  lactationrn (18)

It is important for your baby to get the thicker and more caloric hindmilk from your breasts. When you are breastfeeding, be sure that your baby COMPLETELY empties the breast of milk before switching to the other breast. Completely emptying your breasts at each feeding also helps you to avoid engorgement and mastitis.

Answer by  Jennk (388)

This really depends upon what the imbalance is. If you have too little foremilk, try Iincreasing your fluid intake, if you are not properly hydrated you will not produce enough.

Answer by  CarrieHamston (149)

Feeding your baby on demand is the best way to ensure a sufficient and balanced milk supply. This means nursing baby whenever baby is interested and allowing baby to continue until baby is done. Alternate sides during each feeding. More frequent feedings can help. Also, getting enough quality fats, vitamins and minerals in your diet will enrich the hindmilk quality.

Answer by  betsy37 (6)

Foremilk is mostly water and is what the baby gets first when nursing. The hindmilk comes in later after the baby's thirst has been satisfied; it contains cream and fat. Make sure the baby nurses as long as he/she wants and to nurse evenly on both sides to ensure that the baby is getting both the foremilk and the hindmilk.

Answer by  mummiesnummies (5)

Start each feeding with the side you last finished on. It might take a couple of weeks, but the imbalance will be corrected. I experienced this with my oldest and this technique worked like a charm.

Answer by  Megan99 (183)

Make sure the baby has completely finished drinking from one breast before offering the other. If this doesn't work, try only offering one side for two to three hours before offering the other side. If your other side is uncomfortable, you can pump during that time.

Answer by  niki (111)

baby need foremilk to switch on the other breast. it is high in fat and low in sugars. mother can fix it by pressing the breast at end of feeding.

Answer by  Mary (2095)

This would depend on what you mean by an imbalance. If you are concerned that your baby is getting too much foremilk and not enough fat, this would be shown through a slower weight gain and a drop in percentiles over time. If this is the concern pump an ounce before feeding to decrease the amount of foremilk comsumed.